The utilities sector is up 11% in 2014 so far, with a 3.7% dividend yield, the highest among the top-performing sectors in the S&P 500.

This year, the strong performance of utilities stocks has set them apart from other sectors offering hefty cash payouts.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index utilities sector, which includes power companies like Exelon (ticker: EXC) and Duke Energy (DUK), is up 11% in 2014, as of Thursday's close, making it the best performer in the broader index. Utilities also boast by far the highest yield among top-performing sectors in the index. Utilities offer an aggregate 3.7% annual dividend yield -- though after their latest...